Amateur Radio – from Boat-Anchors to DSP · 5 February 2009 Amateur Radio - from Boat-Anchors to DSP 11 1955–1965 (continued)! Equipment" HF-SSB transceivers revolutionized amateur

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Amateur Radio Amateur Radio –– from Boatfrom Boat--Anchors to DSPAnchors to DSP

an historical overview of ham radio from 1945 to the presentan historical overview of ham radio from 1945 to the present

By Adam Farson VA7OJ/AB4OJBy Adam Farson VA7OJ/AB4OJ

Copyright © 2009 A. Farson VA7OJ/AB4OJ. All rights reserved.

5 February 2009 Amateur Radio - from Boat-Anchors to DSP 2

Structure of presentationStructure of presentation

!! The following time periods will be covered:The following time periods will be covered:"" 1945 1945 –– 19551955"" 1955 1955 –– 19651965"" 1965 1965 –– 19751975"" 1975 1975 –– 19851985"" 1985 1985 –– 19951995"" 1995 1995 –– 20092009

!! For each time period, we will consider:For each time period, we will consider:"" TechniquesTechniques"" EquipmentEquipment


1945–1955: Post-War Decade

!! TechniquesTechniques"" HF: 3.5, 7, 14, 28 MHz (later also 1.8 and HF: 3.5, 7, 14, 28 MHz (later also 1.8 and 2121 MHz).MHz).

!! Morse radioMorse radio--telegraphy (CW), radiotelegraphy (CW), radio--telephony (AM).telephony (AM).!! Some HF NBFM (narrowSome HF NBFM (narrow--band FM) experimentation.band FM) experimentation.!! BaudotBaudot radioradio--teletype (RTTY) after 1950.teletype (RTTY) after 1950.!! Some HF mobile operation with warSome HF mobile operation with war--surplus and DIY.surplus and DIY.!! First commerciallyFirst commercially--built HF mobile gear in 1950built HF mobile gear in 1950’’s.s.

"" VHF/UHF: 50, 144, 220, 420 MHz.VHF/UHF: 50, 144, 220, 420 MHz.!! Mainly AM radioMainly AM radio--telephony, some experimental FMtelephony, some experimental FM!! Light band usage Light band usage –– parts & equipment scarce, but many parts & equipment scarce, but many

experimenters used warexperimenters used war--surplus material.surplus material.!! First First moonbouncemoonbounce (EME) contacts, using WW2 surplus.(EME) contacts, using WW2 surplus.


19451945––1955 (continued)1955 (continued)!! TechniquesTechniques

"" Bell Labs patented the transistor in 1948.Bell Labs patented the transistor in 1948.!! Early transistors were lowEarly transistors were low--frequency and very costly for frequency and very costly for

amateur use. First used in mobile/portable stations.amateur use. First used in mobile/portable stations.

"" Directional multiDirectional multi--element antenna arrays:element antenna arrays:!! First proposed by John Kraus W8JK (multiple driven elements, First proposed by John Kraus W8JK (multiple driven elements,

fixed fixed && rotatable versions).rotatable versions).!! YagiYagi & & UdaUda of Japan developed a rotatable antenna with driven of Japan developed a rotatable antenna with driven

& parasitic elements; it came into wide use among amateurs & parasitic elements; it came into wide use among amateurs after WW2.after WW2.

"" WW2 surplus coaxial cable and connectors:WW2 surplus coaxial cable and connectors:!! These began to replace symmetrical feedlines at HF, and were These began to replace symmetrical feedlines at HF, and were

the standard at VHF/UHF.the standard at VHF/UHF.!! This led to displacement of pushThis led to displacement of push--pull transmitter output stages pull transmitter output stages

by singleby single--ended (asymmetrical) designs.ended (asymmetrical) designs.


19451945––1955 (continued)1955 (continued)

!! EquipmentEquipment"" WW2 military surplus plentiful and inexpensive.WW2 military surplus plentiful and inexpensive.

!! HF receivers often usable with minimal modification.HF receivers often usable with minimal modification.!! HF transmitters either modifiable for amateur use, or parts HF transmitters either modifiable for amateur use, or parts

sources for DIY transmitter and RF powersources for DIY transmitter and RF power--amplifier projects.amplifier projects.!! Teleprinters and channel modems spurred RTTY.Teleprinters and channel modems spurred RTTY.!! Cheap surplus slowed return of commercial radio Cheap surplus slowed return of commercial radio

manufacturers to amateur sector.manufacturers to amateur sector.!! Large, bulky exLarge, bulky ex--WW2 gear humorously called WW2 gear humorously called ““BoatBoat--Anchors.Anchors.””!! VHF: transmitters mainly DIY, receivers used lowVHF: transmitters mainly DIY, receivers used low--noise downnoise down--

converter feeding IF to station HF receiver or car broadcast converter feeding IF to station HF receiver or car broadcast radio. Excellent VHF/UHF tubes with low noise figure on radio. Excellent VHF/UHF tubes with low noise figure on surplus market.surplus market.


19451945––1955: Equipment Examples1955: Equipment Examples

!! BCBC--348 HF Receiver: 1.5348 HF Receiver: 1.5--18 MHz18 MHz"" Fitted to USAAF bombers & transportsFitted to USAAF bombers & transports"" Paired with BCPaired with BC--375, ART375, ART--13 transmitters13 transmitters


19451945––1955: Equipment Examples1955: Equipment Examples!! Collins ARTCollins ART--13 LF/HF Transmitter (AM, CW, MCW13 LF/HF Transmitter (AM, CW, MCW*)*)

"" Fitted to USAAF bombers & transportsFitted to USAAF bombers & transports"" Autotune Autotune -- 100W (813 PA) 100W (813 PA) -- 0.20.2--0.5 & 1.50.5 & 1.5--18.1 MHz18.1 MHz*used mainly on LF range, for compatibility with crystal and TRF*used mainly on LF range, for compatibility with crystal and TRF receiversreceivers


19451945––1955: Radios in Kit Form1955: Radios in Kit Form

HeathkitHeathkit ATAT--1 CW Transmitter (25W)1 CW Transmitter (25W)Kits were a good, affordable alternative to Kits were a good, affordable alternative to surplus or costly commerciallysurplus or costly commercially--built radio gear.built radio gear.

KnightKnight--Kit RKit R--100A Amateur HF Receiver100A Amateur HF Receiver


19551955––1965: Transitions1965: Transitions! Techniques

" Single-sideband (SSB) pulled ahead of AM on HF amateur bands by the 1960’s.! SSB: 9 dB higher S/N and 50% less bandwidth than AM.

" Transistors appeared in amateur equipment: power supplies, then audio stages, complete receivers and finally low power (QRP) transmitters.! Tubes still dominant in amateur equipment until late 1970’s.! Solid-state/hybrid gear drove mobile operation.

" Success of FM in land-mobile led to its large-scale adoption on 144 and 440 MHz, and also on 50 MHz in some areas.



!! TechniquesTechniques"" First VHF TEP (transFirst VHF TEP (trans--equatorial propagation) contacts in equatorial propagation) contacts in

19571957--58, at peak of sunspot cycle 19. Several amateurs in 58, at peak of sunspot cycle 19. Several amateurs in Southern Africa among TEP pioneers. Southern Africa among TEP pioneers. !! Cycle 19 coincided with International Geophysical Year (IGY).Cycle 19 coincided with International Geophysical Year (IGY).

"" 1960: First 1296 MHz 1960: First 1296 MHz moonbouncemoonbounce (EME) contacts, using (EME) contacts, using special militaryspecial military--surplus UHF tubes.surplus UHF tubes.

"" 1961: OSCAR 1 (orbital satellite carrying amateur radio) 1961: OSCAR 1 (orbital satellite carrying amateur radio) launched. This pioneered a series of multilaunched. This pioneered a series of multi--national ham national ham radio satellite programs.radio satellite programs.!! OSCAR 1 started a tradition of ham radio in space, continuing OSCAR 1 started a tradition of ham radio in space, continuing

with hams aboard MIR, Shuttle, and ISS.with hams aboard MIR, Shuttle, and ISS."" Astronaut hams communicate regularly with terrestrial groups (e.Astronaut hams communicate regularly with terrestrial groups (e.g. g.

schools). schools).



!! EquipmentEquipment"" HFHF--SSB transceivers revolutionized amateur station SSB transceivers revolutionized amateur station

design, displacing separate receiver and transmitter.design, displacing separate receiver and transmitter.!! Transceivers share many common circuits between Transceivers share many common circuits between

receiver and transmitter sections.receiver and transmitter sections.!! Transceivers were very large factor in eclipse of AM by Transceivers were very large factor in eclipse of AM by

SSB.SSB."" Examples: Collins KWMExamples: Collins KWM--2, 1964 DIY 14 MHz transceiver.2, 1964 DIY 14 MHz transceiver.

"" LandLand--mobile regulatory changes released huge mobile regulatory changes released huge quantities of VHF/UHF radios to surplus market.quantities of VHF/UHF radios to surplus market.!! Hams converted base, mobile and portable units.Hams converted base, mobile and portable units.

"" This drove rapid growth of FM repeater networks, which This drove rapid growth of FM repeater networks, which flourish to this day and provide emergency comms.flourish to this day and provide emergency comms.



!! Collins KWMCollins KWM--2 (1959)2 (1959)"" 3.4 3.4 –– 30 MHz, 100W (SSB & CW)30 MHz, 100W (SSB & CW)



!! DIY 14 MHz SSB/CW DIY 14 MHz SSB/CW TransceiverTransceiver"" 65W, built by author in 1964. 11 tubes, 40 transistors65W, built by author in 1964. 11 tubes, 40 transistors"" 7360 mixer tube as receiver front end and transmitter 7360 mixer tube as receiver front end and transmitter

modulator: 4.5 dB NF, 94 dB crossmodulator: 4.5 dB NF, 94 dB cross--mod rejectionmod rejection

http://www.ab4oj.com/1st/hb/main.html


19651965––1975: Consolidation1975: Consolidation

!! TechniquesTechniques"" HFHF--SSB advances:SSB advances:

!! First HFFirst HF--SSB transmitters used phasing (PSN) modulation; SSB transmitters used phasing (PSN) modulation; improved crystal filters led to predominance of filter method. improved crystal filters led to predominance of filter method. ““Third MethodThird Method”” (by Weaver) used in some commercial/military (by Weaver) used in some commercial/military HF systems and DIY amateur transmitters.HF systems and DIY amateur transmitters.

!! Need for higher frequency stability in SSB led to dualNeed for higher frequency stability in SSB led to dual--conversion architecture with crystalconversion architecture with crystal--controlled 1controlled 1stst local local oscillator and highlyoscillator and highly--stable tunable 2stable tunable 2ndnd oscillator. oscillator.

!! Early frequency synthesizers used TTL ICEarly frequency synthesizers used TTL IC’’s, but were not as s, but were not as spectrally pure as classical LC or crystal oscillators.spectrally pure as classical LC or crystal oscillators.

!! Development of reliable HF power transistors (Development of reliable HF power transistors (ffTT > 100 MHz) > 100 MHz) led to first 100% solidled to first 100% solid--state commercial (1966) and amateur state commercial (1966) and amateur (1978) HF transceivers.(1978) HF transceivers.


19651965––1975 (continued)1975 (continued)! Techniques

"" Antennas:Antennas:!! MultiMulti--band dipole developed by Louis Varney G5RV (1958). band dipole developed by Louis Varney G5RV (1958).

Brian Austin ZS6BKW (now G0GSF) refined this design further. Brian Austin ZS6BKW (now G0GSF) refined this design further. W3DZZ developed trap dipole for spaceW3DZZ developed trap dipole for space--limited sites.limited sites.

!! Cubical Quad, patented by C. Moore W9LZX (1951), became Cubical Quad, patented by C. Moore W9LZX (1951), became popular amongst hams popular amongst hams –– lighter and less costly than lighter and less costly than YagiYagi..

"" VHF/UHF advances:VHF/UHF advances:!! UltraUltra--lowlow--noise UHF amplifier tubes e.g. planar triodes drove noise UHF amplifier tubes e.g. planar triodes drove

longlong--haul terrestrial VHF/UHF, haul terrestrial VHF/UHF, moonbouncemoonbounce (EME) and (EME) and tropospherictropospheric/meteor scatter communications./meteor scatter communications.

!! Networking of repeaters via pointNetworking of repeaters via point--toto--point UHF links led to point UHF links led to extensive mobile ham radio networks in Western US.extensive mobile ham radio networks in Western US."" Many repeaters offered telephone interconnect (Many repeaters offered telephone interconnect (autopatchautopatch).)."" Some repeaters included remoteSome repeaters included remote--controlled base stations, allowing controlled base stations, allowing

access to other VHF repeaters or even to HF.access to other VHF repeaters or even to HF.



!! Equipment (HF)Equipment (HF)"" Japanese suppliers Japanese suppliers TrioTrio--KenwoodKenwood (later Kenwood)(later Kenwood) and and Yaesu Yaesu

MusenMusen began competing with US incumbents (Collins, Drake, began competing with US incumbents (Collins, Drake, Hallicrafters, National, Hammarlund etc.)Hallicrafters, National, Hammarlund etc.)

"" By 1975, Japanese were dominant; US firms had left the sector orBy 1975, Japanese were dominant; US firms had left the sector orceased to exist.ceased to exist.!! Drake hung on until 1984; RockwellDrake hung on until 1984; Rockwell--Collins is today a major player in Collins is today a major player in

mil/mil/govgov and avionics.and avionics.!! TenTen--Tec and Elecraft (both US) are doing well today by creating a niTec and Elecraft (both US) are doing well today by creating a niche che

market. market.

"" Japanese HF transceivers were hybrid; solidJapanese HF transceivers were hybrid; solid--state w/3 tubes in PA state w/3 tubes in PA stage. Many comparable US radios stage. Many comparable US radios were stillwere still 100% tube.100% tube.!! Typical HF systems: Collins S/Line & KWMTypical HF systems: Collins S/Line & KWM--2, Drake 2, Drake ““33”” & & ““44”” lines, lines,

Kenwood TSKenwood TS--520S, Yaesu FT520S, Yaesu FT--101, 101, HeathkitHeathkit SBSB--100 series.100 series.!! British British ““KW ElectronicsKW Electronics”” amateur HF gear was popular in the UK and amateur HF gear was popular in the UK and

Commonwealth countries.Commonwealth countries.



!! Equipment (VHF/UHF)Equipment (VHF/UHF)"" Japanese synthesized FM mobile and handheld radios Japanese synthesized FM mobile and handheld radios

began displacing converted landbegan displacing converted land--mobile gear.mobile gear."" Synthesis offered unprecedented frequency agility.Synthesis offered unprecedented frequency agility."" Surplus conversions still dominated repeater construction.Surplus conversions still dominated repeater construction."" Japanese VHF/UHF allJapanese VHF/UHF all--mode transceivers began displacing mode transceivers began displacing

DIY transmitter/downDIY transmitter/down--converter/receiver combinations.converter/receiver combinations."" TransvertersTransverters (transmit up(transmit up--converter with PA + receive converter with PA + receive

downdown--converter) expanded HF transceiver coverage to converter) expanded HF transceiver coverage to bands above 30 MHz.bands above 30 MHz.

"" LowLow--noise solidnoise solid--state VHF/UHF receive preamplifiers state VHF/UHF receive preamplifiers became costbecame cost--effective, displacing costly special tubes.effective, displacing costly special tubes.



!! TrioTrio--Kenwood TSKenwood TS--520 HF Transceiver (1972)520 HF Transceiver (1972)"" 3.5, 7, 14, 21, 28 MHz, 100W. Hybrid, 3 tubes in PA section.3.5, 7, 14, 21, 28 MHz, 100W. Hybrid, 3 tubes in PA section.



!! Kenwood TR7400 (1976): 144Kenwood TR7400 (1976): 144--148 MHz FM, 25W148 MHz FM, 25W


19751975––1985: New Tech, New Bands1985: New Tech, New Bands

!! TechniquesTechniques"" HFHF--SSB now entrenched, with solidSSB now entrenched, with solid--state transceiver as its state transceiver as its

main exponent.main exponent.!! Direct digital synthesis (DDS), originally developed for militarDirect digital synthesis (DDS), originally developed for military, y,

now became costnow became cost--effective in amateur equipment.effective in amateur equipment.!! DDS greatly reduced synthesizer phase noise, improving receiver DDS greatly reduced synthesizer phase noise, improving receiver

dynamic performance and transmitter spectral purity.dynamic performance and transmitter spectral purity.!! UpUp--converting architecture (1converting architecture (1stst IF above highest signal frequency) IF above highest signal frequency)

offered continuous frequency coverage. This drove improvements offered continuous frequency coverage. This drove improvements in in preselectorspreselectors, synthesizers, mixers, IF filters and RF/IF , synthesizers, mixers, IF filters and RF/IF amplifiers.amplifiers.

"" WARCWARC**’’79 allocated 3 new ham bands: 10, 18 and 24 MHz.79 allocated 3 new ham bands: 10, 18 and 24 MHz.!! All manufacturers offered new HF models, and modifications to All manufacturers offered new HF models, and modifications to

some existing radios.some existing radios.*ITU World Administrative Radio Conference*ITU World Administrative Radio Conference



!! TechniquesTechniques"" Digital Signal ProcessingDigital Signal Processing (DSP), another military spin(DSP), another military spin--off, off,

first appeared in the ham shack.first appeared in the ham shack.!! Baseband DSP accessories providing tunable audio filters, Baseband DSP accessories providing tunable audio filters,

heuristic noise reduction and suppression of unwanted single heuristic noise reduction and suppression of unwanted single or multiple tones.or multiple tones.

"" Amateur Packet Radio Amateur Packet Radio began in 1978 (Montreal). began in 1978 (Montreal). !! Current AX.25 protocol grew from discussions in October 1981.Current AX.25 protocol grew from discussions in October 1981.!! VHF packet network grew as switching nodes were added.VHF packet network grew as switching nodes were added.!! DX Packet Cluster began announcing rare foreign HF stations.DX Packet Cluster began announcing rare foreign HF stations.!! On HF, AMTOR (a subset of ITU SITOROn HF, AMTOR (a subset of ITU SITOR**) merged with packet, ) merged with packet,

evolving into PACTOR. This became a popular HF digital mode.evolving into PACTOR. This became a popular HF digital mode.

*Simplex Teleprinter over Radio*Simplex Teleprinter over Radio



!! Equipment (HF)Equipment (HF)"" SolidSolid--state ham gear came of age, eclipsing earlier allstate ham gear came of age, eclipsing earlier all--tube & tube &

hybrid designs. hybrid designs. !! ““NoNo--tunetune”” 5050ΩΩ output replaced tunable output replaced tunable ππ--output network.output network.!! Many HF transceivers now incorporated automatic antenna tuners.Many HF transceivers now incorporated automatic antenna tuners.

"" IcomIcom took its place alongside Kenwood & Yaesu, withtook its place alongside Kenwood & Yaesu, with……!! SolidSolid--state HF, VHF allstate HF, VHF all--mode and VHF/UHF FM transceivers.mode and VHF/UHF FM transceivers.

"" SolidSolid--state 500W HF autostate 500W HF auto--tune amplifiers from Icom, Yaesu and tune amplifiers from Icom, Yaesu and TenTen--Tec broke tubeTec broke tube--amplifier monopoly. amplifier monopoly.

"" HF mobile operation revolutionized by compact transceivers (e.g.HF mobile operation revolutionized by compact transceivers (e.g.Kenwood TSKenwood TS--50) & remote50) & remote--mounted automatic antenna couplers.mounted automatic antenna couplers.!! Antennas and couplers from SGC and Japanese firms.Antennas and couplers from SGC and Japanese firms.

"" R.L. Drake released TRR.L. Drake released TR--7 and TR7 and TR--5 solid5 solid--state HF transceivers, Rstate HF transceivers, R--7 7 HF receiver & TRHF receiver & TR--6 50 MHz transceiver.6 50 MHz transceiver.!! Unable to compete with Japanese; left amateur sector in 1984.Unable to compete with Japanese; left amateur sector in 1984.



!! Equipment (VHF/UHF)Equipment (VHF/UHF)"" The GaAsFET made costThe GaAsFET made cost--effective ultraeffective ultra--lowlow--noise RF noise RF

amplifiers and mixers available to radio amateurs.amplifiers and mixers available to radio amateurs."" Compact synthesized FM mobiles and handhelds became Compact synthesized FM mobiles and handhelds became

the norm, displacing landthe norm, displacing land--mobile surplus conversions.mobile surplus conversions."" CommerciallyCommercially--manufactured amateur repeaters came into manufactured amateur repeaters came into

use, with sophisticated repeater controllers providing use, with sophisticated repeater controllers providing telephone interconnect, remote control and other features.telephone interconnect, remote control and other features.

"" Almost all this new equipment was Japanese.Almost all this new equipment was Japanese.!! There were a few US products, such as the rather costly There were a few US products, such as the rather costly –– and and

shortshort--lived lived –– Drake UVDrake UV--3 tri3 tri--band FM transceiver.band FM transceiver.



! Icom IC-2KL HF Amplifier System (500W, 3.5 – 30 MHz)" AT-500 Auto-Tuner, PSU, IC-2KL Amplifier


19751975––1985: Equipment Examples1985: Equipment Examples!! Icom ICIcom IC--32E 5W 144/440 MHz Handheld Motorola 32E 5W 144/440 MHz Handheld Motorola ““MicorMicor”” VHF FM RepeaterVHF FM Repeater


19851985––1995: Change! PC and DSP1995: Change! PC and DSP

!! Techniques: PCTechniques: PC"" Affordable personal computers (PC) had a major Affordable personal computers (PC) had a major

impact on many aspects of amateur radio.impact on many aspects of amateur radio.!! Regulatory changes permitting IA5 transmission on ham bands Regulatory changes permitting IA5 transmission on ham bands

(in addition to IA2) drove adoption of new transmission (in addition to IA2) drove adoption of new transmission protocols, often subsets of methods used in other services.protocols, often subsets of methods used in other services."" Examples: AMTOR and SITOR, AX.25 and X.25.Examples: AMTOR and SITOR, AX.25 and X.25.

!! Hams developed software and radio/PC interfaces for these Hams developed software and radio/PC interfaces for these protocols. Many of these programs also supported:protocols. Many of these programs also supported:"" Computer control of transceiver, amplifier, antenna rotator etc.Computer control of transceiver, amplifier, antenna rotator etc."" Logging of stations contacted by time, frequency, callsign etc.Logging of stations contacted by time, frequency, callsign etc."" Keyboard and automatic sending and decoding of Morse, RTTY and Keyboard and automatic sending and decoding of Morse, RTTY and

other radio other radio datacommdatacomm modes.modes.

!! The PC completely eclipsed the electromechanical teleprinter in The PC completely eclipsed the electromechanical teleprinter in the ham shack.the ham shack.



!! Techniques: DSPTechniques: DSP"" Towards the end of the decade, several revolutionary new HF Towards the end of the decade, several revolutionary new HF

transceivers incorporated integral IFtransceivers incorporated integral IF--level DSP, encompassing:level DSP, encompassing:!! IF selectivity (bandpass and IF selectivity (bandpass and bandstopbandstop/notch filtering)./notch filtering).!! IF passband shifting (IF passband shifting (““Passband TuningPassband Tuning””).).!! Noise reduction by correlation discrimination.Noise reduction by correlation discrimination.!! AGC derivation and impulseAGC derivation and impulse--noise suppression.noise suppression.!! Baseband management and speech compression.Baseband management and speech compression.!! Modulation/demodulation for all modes.Modulation/demodulation for all modes.

"" Operators now had the ability to adjust IF bandwidth and shape Operators now had the ability to adjust IF bandwidth and shape factors at will, without the need for costly analogue IF filtersfactors at will, without the need for costly analogue IF filters. . Passband Tuning and notching aided interference suppression.Passband Tuning and notching aided interference suppression.!! These facilities were all inside the AGC loop.These facilities were all inside the AGC loop.

"" The old phasing method of SSB generation now reappeared in a The old phasing method of SSB generation now reappeared in a highlyhighly--refined form as an IFrefined form as an IF--DSP function (PSN modulation).DSP function (PSN modulation).


19851985––1995 (continued)1995 (continued)!! EquipmentEquipment

"" Early examples of HF transceivers with IFEarly examples of HF transceivers with IF--level DSP:level DSP:!! Kenwood TSKenwood TS--870S (Japan, 1995).870S (Japan, 1995).!! Kachina 505DSP (USA, 1997).Kachina 505DSP (USA, 1997).

"" Kachina was unique; it was a Kachina was unique; it was a ““boxbox”” with no front panel.with no front panel."" Custom software running on a connected PC controlled the Custom software running on a connected PC controlled the

transceiver, which was operated from the PC.transceiver, which was operated from the PC."" Features included an integral spectrum scope (panoramic Features included an integral spectrum scope (panoramic

amplitude/frequency display).amplitude/frequency display).

"" Icom ICIcom IC--781 HF transceiver and R9000 wide781 HF transceiver and R9000 wide--range receiver range receiver (100 kHz (100 kHz –– 2 GHz):2 GHz):!! Although analogue, these radios featured an integral CRTAlthough analogue, these radios featured an integral CRT--

based display with spectrum scope.based display with spectrum scope."" They set the standard for HF equipment of the decade to follow.They set the standard for HF equipment of the decade to follow.



!! EquipmentEquipment"" TenTen--Tec and Kachina Tec and Kachina were the only US ham radio were the only US ham radio

manufacturers still active. manufacturers still active. !! Kachina dropped out in 2001.Kachina dropped out in 2001.!! ElecraftElecraft and other custom houses launched lowand other custom houses launched low--power (QRP) power (QRP)

radios in kit form, replacing radios in kit form, replacing HeathkitHeathkit which had ceased to exist which had ceased to exist by 1986.by 1986."" Elecraft later introduced a range of fullyElecraft later introduced a range of fully--featured amateur HF featured amateur HF

transceivers (K2, K3) and accessories in kit form.transceivers (K2, K3) and accessories in kit form.

"" Japanese dualJapanese dual-- and multiand multi--band (VHF/UHF) amateur band (VHF/UHF) amateur FM mobiles and handhelds became very popularFM mobiles and handhelds became very popular……!! but often had indifferent strongbut often had indifferent strong--signal receiver performance signal receiver performance

due to wide RF bandwidth and insufficient RF preselection.due to wide RF bandwidth and insufficient RF preselection."" ““PuristPurist”” hams still hams still favouredfavoured landland--mobile radio equipment. mobile radio equipment.



!! Kenwood TSKenwood TS--870S IF870S IF--DSP HF TransceiverDSP HF Transceiver"" 100W output; no accessory filters required.100W output; no accessory filters required.



!! Kachina 505DSP HF Transceiver with PCKachina 505DSP HF Transceiver with PC## 1.8 1.8 –– 30 MHz, 100W. 30 MHz, 100W.

## Optional autoOptional auto--tuner installs in XCVR case.tuner installs in XCVR case.

## Radio interface unit installs in PC CD drive slot.Radio interface unit installs in PC CD drive slot.



!! Icom ICIcom IC--781 HF Transceiver781 HF Transceiver"" 150W output, with CRT display and spectrum scope.150W output, with CRT display and spectrum scope.


19951995––2009: Ham Radio in the Digital Age2009: Ham Radio in the Digital Age

!! TechniquesTechniques"" Major technological, operating & regulatory changes.Major technological, operating & regulatory changes.

!! ““MarriageMarriage”” of ham radio and the Internet.of ham radio and the Internet."" IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Protocol) tied many VHF/UHF IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Protocol) tied many VHF/UHF

repeaters into national and international networks via TCP/IP, Vrepeaters into national and international networks via TCP/IP, VoIP.oIP."" Remote control of HF stations via Internet: Remote control of HF stations via Internet: ““shack in a PCshack in a PC””.."" InternetInternet--based QSL (contact confirmation) and DX station locators.based QSL (contact confirmation) and DX station locators.

!! PCPC’’ss now perform many different tasks in the station:now perform many different tasks in the station:"" radio control, logging, radio control, logging, datacommdatacomm modes, equipment design etc.modes, equipment design etc.

!! 2003: ITU abolished mandatory Morse requirement for HF.2003: ITU abolished mandatory Morse requirement for HF.!! 2003: ITU recognized official disaster2003: ITU recognized official disaster--communications role for communications role for

amateur radio. Hams provide comms. in 2004 tsunami etc.amateur radio. Hams provide comms. in 2004 tsunami etc."" This has greatly enhanced hamsThis has greatly enhanced hams’’ firstfirst--responder status with their responder status with their

respective national authorities.respective national authorities.



!! TechniquesTechniques"" Inexpensive DSP, ADC, DAC, FPGA, ASIC and other specialized Inexpensive DSP, ADC, DAC, FPGA, ASIC and other specialized

ICIC’’s for the consumer audio and wireless sectors spurred s for the consumer audio and wireless sectors spurred development of sophisticated DSP radio designs and SDR development of sophisticated DSP radio designs and SDR (software(software--defined radio).defined radio).

"" AMSATAMSAT (Amateur Satellite Corporation) came of age, with multiple (Amateur Satellite Corporation) came of age, with multiple orbiting satellites and ham radio aboard ISS and Space Shuttle. orbiting satellites and ham radio aboard ISS and Space Shuttle. All All NASA astronauts now licensed hams.NASA astronauts now licensed hams.

"" ““Dotcom bustDotcom bust”” placed large quantities of firstplaced large quantities of first--class lab test class lab test equipment well within many amateursequipment well within many amateurs’’ reach. reach. !! Spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network Spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, network

analyzers, RF microwattmeters etc. started showing up in ham shaanalyzers, RF microwattmeters etc. started showing up in ham shacks. cks.

"" Amateur television (ATV), using broadcast TV standards, had seenAmateur television (ATV), using broadcast TV standards, had seenlimited growth due to its bandwidth demands. Pressure from limited growth due to its bandwidth demands. Pressure from repeater networks moved most ATV from 430 MHz to 1200 MHz.repeater networks moved most ATV from 430 MHz to 1200 MHz.

http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php#25Years



!! EquipmentEquipment"" Rapid evolution of DSP/SDR drove development of remarkable new Rapid evolution of DSP/SDR drove development of remarkable new

radio equipment and software packages for the sophisticated radio equipment and software packages for the sophisticated amateur. Example: the amateur. Example: the IcomIcom line of HF transceivers with IFline of HF transceivers with IF--level level DSP and TFT screen with spectrum display.DSP and TFT screen with spectrum display.

"" SDR kits began appearing, followed by commerciallySDR kits began appearing, followed by commercially--made SDR made SDR transceivers with analogue homodyne front end driving PC transceivers with analogue homodyne front end driving PC soundcard soundcard (FlexRadio)(FlexRadio)..

"" Fast, costFast, cost--effective ADCeffective ADC’’s (16s (16--bit, > 100 bit, > 100 MspsMsps) have brought SDR ) have brought SDR receivers with direct RF sampling receivers with direct RF sampling (Perseus, (Perseus, RFSpaceRFSpace, HPSDR) , HPSDR) to to amateur/SWL marketplace. These radios still require USB link to amateur/SWL marketplace. These radios still require USB link to PC, but selfPC, but self--contained transceivers are now under development.contained transceivers are now under development.

"" These exciting new technologies, with modest but steady growth iThese exciting new technologies, with modest but steady growth in n amateur population, are generating much interest and optimism amateur population, are generating much interest and optimism regarding amateur radioregarding amateur radio’’s future.s future.



!! Icom ICIcom IC--7600 HF/50 MHz Transceiver7600 HF/50 MHz Transceiver"" 100W output, IF100W output, IF--level DSP, TFT display, spectrum scopelevel DSP, TFT display, spectrum scope



!! Perseus DirectPerseus Direct--Sampling SDR ReceiverSampling SDR ReceiverExteriorExterior

InteriorInterior

Typical Display ScreenTypical Display Screen


Links for further studyLinks for further study!! American Radio Relay LeagueAmerican Radio Relay League

!! Radio Society of Great BritainRadio Society of Great Britain

!! Radio Amateurs of CanadaRadio Amateurs of Canada

!! Amateur Satellite CorporationAmateur Satellite Corporation

!! Amateur Radio on WikipediaAmateur Radio on Wikipedia

!! North Shore Amateur Radio ClubNorth Shore Amateur Radio Club

http://www.arrl.org/

http://www.rsgb.org/

http://www.rac.ca/

http://www.amsat.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio

http://www.nsarc.ca/

Documents

Amateur Radio – from Boat-Anchors to DSP · 5 February 2009 Amateur Radio - from Boat-Anchors to DSP 11 1955–1965 (continued)! Equipment" HF-SSB transceivers revolutionized amateur